What’s coming soon to BritBox UK in July 2022?
David Farnor | On 29, Jun 2022
BritBox continues to shine a spotlight on British talent old and new this summer, with Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You leading a line-up that includes Paddy Considine’s Tyrannosaur, starring a heart-wrenching turn from Olivia Colman, to In the Loop, Steve McQueen’s Hunger, Michael Fassbender in Macbeth, a host of Danny Boyle gems and even a dose of The Clangers.
Here’s what’s coming soon to BritBox UK in July 2022:
The Avengers S4-6 & Various S1 Eps. (1961-69) – 1st July
A quirky spy series featuring the adventures of eccentrically suave British Agent John Steed and his predominately female partners. Starring Patrick Macnee, Diana Rigg, Linda Thorson and Honor Blackman.
I May Destroy You (2022) – 7th July
Arabella, a young woman, struggles to remember the events that took place during her night out with friends. However, she soon realises that she was drugged and taken advantage of. Dark comedy-drama starring Michaela Coel, Paapa Essiedu, Weruche Opia and Lewis Reeves.
Four Lives (2022) – 7th July
The true story of the courageous families of four young gay men who lost their lives to killer Stephen Port. Facing police failings, they fought for justice for their loved ones. Starring Sheridan Smith, Stephen Merchant, Michael Jibson and Leanne Best.
Champions (1984) – 7th July
The true story of Bob Champion, a steeplechase jockey, who is diagnosed with cancer at the height of his career. Miraculously he manages to recover and win the 1981 Grand National with the horse Aldaniti. Starring John Hurt, Edward Woodward, Peter Barkworth and Jan Francis.
In The Loop (2009) – 7th July
A smart comedy from the acclaimed team who created the award-winning BBC TV comedy series Alan Patridge and The Thick of It. With razor-sharp, truly laugh-out-loud dialogue, the film pokes fun at the absurdity and ineptitude of our highest leaders. With everyone looking out for number one and the fate of the free world at stake (but apparently incidental), the ensemble cast of characters bumbles its way through Machiavellian political dealings across continents and toward comic resolutions that are unforeseeable. Starring James Gandolfini, Peter Capaldi and Steve Coogan.
The Program (2015) – 7th July
Convinced that Lance Armstrong’s performances during the Tour De France are influenced by banned substances, David Walsh, an Irish sports journalist, sets out on a journey to expose him. Starring Ben Foster, Guillaume Canet, Jesse Plemons, Lee Pace, Chris O’Dowd and Dustin Hoffman.
Tyrannosaur (2011) – 7th July
Critically acclaimed Tyrannosaur tells the story of Joseph, a man plagued by violence and a rage who earns a chance at redemption that appears in the form of Hannah, a Christian charity shop worker. Starring Olivia Coleman, Paddy Considine, Peter Mullan and Eddie Marsan.
Vera Drake (2004) – 7th July
Abortionist Vera Drake finds her beliefs and practices clash with the morals of 1950s Britain – a conflict that leads to tragedy for her family. Starring Imelda Staunton, Jim Broadbent, Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville.
The Indian Doctor S1-3 (2010-2013) – 7th July
In this comedy-drama set in the 1960s a South Wales coal mining community is changed forever following the death of the local doctor, whose replacement comes as quite a shock to the villagers. High-flying Delhi graduate Dr Prem Sharma and his wife, Kamini, eschew a glamorous lifestyle in London for the sleepy Welsh village of Trefelin. There, they quickly become embroiled in the lives of the villagers. Starring Sanjeev Bhaskar, Ayesha Dharker, Erica Eirian and Mali Harries.
Borderline S1-2 (2016-2017) – 7th July
Retro-scripted, spoof documentary series following the work of UK Border Force staff at the fictional Northend Airport. Narrated by Ralf Little and starring Liz Kingsman, David Elms and David Avery.
Macbeth (2015) – 7th July
With the ambition to become the next king, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes over his throne. However, his guilt haunts him when he begins to hallucinate and sees various spirits. Starring Michael Fassbender, Marion Cottilard and Sean Harris.
Picnic at Hanging Rock (2018) – 7th July
When three schoolgirls and a teacher from Appleyard College disappear on Valentine’s Day in 1900, the event has a far-reaching impact on the rest of the school, as well as the nearby town. People quickly come up with theories about the disappearances as paranoia sets in and long-held secrets surface. As authorities get further into their investigation, the mystery surrounding the case seemingly deepens. Starring Natalie Dormer.
Plenty (1985) – 7th July
A young Englishwoman spends twenty years making a life for herself, at the expense of others around her, in post-World War II England. Starring Meryl Streep, Charles Dance, Ian McKellen, Sting and Tracey Ullman.
127 Hours (2010) – 14th July
Aron Ralston, a mountain climber, is on a hiking adventure in Utah when he gets trapped in a canyon. Soon, he takes desperate measures to survive and struggles for 127 hours before he is rescued. Directed by Danny Boyle and starring James Franco, Kate Mara, Lizzy Caplan, Clémence Poésy and Amber Tamblyn.
24 Hour Party People (2002) – 14th July
Amused by a band named Sex Pistols, Tony persuades his station to televise one of their performances. Later, a musical revolution starts that changes his life forever. Biographical comedy-drama starring Steve Coogan, John Simm, Paddy Considine, Shirley Henderson and Sean Harris.
Ae Fond Kiss… (2004) – 14th July
A love story set in Glasgow about a young Muslim man and an Irish Catholic woman who encounter strong opposition after beginning an affair. The man, an aspiring DJ, is ostracised by his father after refusing to agree to an arranged marriage, while the woman, a teacher, faces resistance when she applies for a position at the local Catholic school. Starring Atta Yaqub and Eva Birthistle.
Enigma (2001) – 14th July
During WWII, the British authorities enlist the brilliant Tom Jericho to help them break the Enigma Code, but he also needs to solve the mystery surrounding the woman he loves. Starring Kate Winslet, Dougray Scott, Tom Hollander and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
Hunger (2008) – 14th July
Historical drama focusing on the 1981 hunger strikes by Republican prisoners in Northern Ireland. Bobby Sands is one of a group of prisoners who first “took to the blanket” with a “dirty protest” in pursuit of their claims for recognition as political prisoners. Sands then became the first one of the group to embark on a hunger strike that was to end in his death. Starring Michael Fassbender, Liam Cunningham, Brian Milligan and Laine Megaw.
Michael Clayton (2007) – 14th July
A law firm brings in its “fixer” after a lawyer has a breakdown while representing a chemical company that he knows is guilty in a multibillion-dollar class action suit. Starring George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, Sydney Pollack and Tom Wilkinson.
Millions (2004) – 14th July
Damian learns the ways of the world at a young age when he discovers a bag of money in his backyard. The boy tries to spend the cash altruistically, but he soon has to tackle a difficult situation. Starring James Nesbitt, Alex Etel and Daisy Donovan.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – 14th July
A teenager from the slums of Mumbai becomes a contestant on the show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati?’ When interrogated under suspicion of cheating, he revisits his past, revealing how he had all the answers. Starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Rubina Ali and Irrfan Khan.
Trance (2013) – 14th July
While trying to recover a lost painting, a fine art auctioneer ends up seeking help from a hypnotherapist. The stakes rise higher as his mind swings between reality, desire and fantasy. Starring James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and Vincent Cassel.
Smiley’s People (1982) – 14th July
The murder of a Soviet defector forces his old handler, British spymaster George Smiley, out of retirement. His investigation leads to an old nemesis, the Soviet spymaster known only as “Karla”. This will be their final dance. Starring Alec Guinness, Patrick Stewart and Eileen Atkins.
The Lady Vanishes (2013) – 14th July
Iris Carr, a young socialite befriends an older woman while travelling by train. But soon, the woman disappears. Will Iris be able to find her? Starring Tuppence Middleton, Keeley Hawes and Tom Hughes.
Striking Out S1-2 (2017-2018) – 14th July
Tara Rafferty is living the good life: she’s a successful Dublin lawyer engaged to a fellow solicitor. But Tara’s life is turned upside down after she discovers her betrothed in bed with a colleague. Abandoning her wedding plans (and her job), Tara strikes out on her own, starting an unconventional private practice. Starring Amy Huberman, Emmet Byrne, Neil Morrissey and Rory Keenan.
The Clangers S1-2 (1969-1972) – 21st July
The Clangers are a woollen-knitted alien species who live on their little planet. Their misadventures often bring them face-to-face with the planet’s other inhabitants. Narrated By Oliver Postgate.
Grange Hill S10-11 (1987-1988) – 21st July
Television drama following the lives of the children attending Grange Hill, a comprehensive school in the North London borough of Northam. Exploring school-related issues such as bullying, learning difficulties, teacher-pupil relationships and conflicts. Starring Todd Carty, Terry Sue-Patt, Gwyneth Powell, George Armstrong and Simone Hyams. Series 1-9 are already available on BritBox.
The State Within (2006) – 21st July
A flight explodes in mid-air during take off near Washington DC. Later that day, as a shocked capital struggles to come to terms with the disaster, a diplomatic catastrophe envelops the British Embassy. A cat’s cradle of tangled affinities and conflicting interests told through interlinking stories unfold as British Ambassador Mark Brydon slowly realises that he is being played by an invisible puppeteer with great power. Political thriller starring Jason Isaacs, Ben Daniels, Neil Pearson and Sharon Glass.
Injustice (2011) – 28th July
In this compelling five-part psychological thriller, a defence barrister is faced with the proposition: what can you do when you have defended the indefensible? When the man you have helped proved innocent is, in fact, guilty? James Purefoy stars as a criminal barrister recovering from a traumatic series of events who finds himself being pursued by a ruthless police detective.
Inside Animal A&E (2020) – 28th July
Documentary series which steps behind the scenes of two of the UK’s busiest animal A and E departments, and follows the fortunes of the staff, volunteers and, of course, the patients.
Inside Britain’s Food Factories (2020) – 28th July
Going behind the scenes at some of Britain’s most iconic food factories to discover how they keep the shelves stocked and put food on our tables, from mega-factories making meals in their millions to family firms trading on secret recipes.
Inside the Crown: Secrets of the Royals (2020) – 28th July
Landmark series examining some of the Queen’s most tumultuous times. From her glorious coronation up until the muted but emotional VE Day celebrations in 2020.
Inside the Ritz Hotel (2019) – 28th July
With people spending less and more luxury hotels opening their doors, a look at how one of the most traditional hotels in the world stands out from the rest. The Ritz opens its doors and allows viewers to peek inside and see its inner workings.
Madame Tussauds: The Full Wax (2021) – 28th July
Madame Tussauds is one of the UK’s most loved and enduring visitor attractions and has always been a barometer of popularity. Filmed across a year at Madame Tussauds’ London and Blackpool locations, following the creation and launch of new wax figures for pop sensation, Little Mix, and YouTube superstar DanTDM.
Prince Charles: Inside the Duchy of Cornwall S1 (2019) – 28th July
An observational documentary with privileged access to Prince Charles and his private domain, the Duchy of Cornwall, the Royal estate which he has built up over the last 50 years into a billion pound business to support himself.
Ripping Yarns S1-2 (1976-1979) – 28th July
Comedy series of parodies made from pre-war stories and different aspects of British culture. Starring Michael Palin and John Cleese.
Stuck on You (2017) – 28th July
A documentary film about how four Italian brothers called Panini took a childhood obsession and turned it into a worldwide multi-billion pound industry.
Tess of the D’Urbervilles (2008) – 28th July
Four-part series based on the novel by Thomas Hardy. The beautiful and innocent Tess Durbeyfield is forced by hardship to seek support from her ‘relatives’, the D’Urbervilles .Starring Gemma Arterton, Eddie Redmayne, Ruth Jones, Jodie Whittaker, Hugh Skinner, Hans Matheson and Ian Puleston-Davies.
The Cazalets S1 (2001) – 28th July
Drama series about a family transformed by World War II. As the storm clouds of war gather, the Cazalet brothers and their families retreat to their parents’ country home. Starring Lesley Manville, Hugh Bonneville, Joanna Page and Anna Chancellor.
The Turn of the Screw (2009) – 28th July
A young woman appointed to take care of two young children, must keep them away from the clutches of evil spirits that dwell in the mansion. Starring Michelle Dockery, Dan Stevens and Sue Johnston.
The Virgin Queen (2005) – 28th July
The long and eventful life of England’s iconic queen, presented in four parts. From her fearful days as a teenage princess, through her love affair with Robert Dudley, into her years of triumph over the Spanish Armada, and concluding with her enigmatic relationship with her young protégé, the Earl of Essex. Starring Anne-Marie Duff, Tom Hardy, Ian Hart and Tara Fitzgerald.